American Chemical Society

The American Chemistry Society, ACS, Duquesne Student Chapter consists of individuals who are "dynamic and visionary, committed to 'improving people's lives through the transforming power of chemistry.'" The ACS advances the "broader chemistry enterprise and its practitioners for the benefit of Earth and its people." The ACS looks to connect with other chemists and chemical engineers in their geographic area, participate in programs near their homes that can enhance their professional development, contribute to the public's understanding of chemistry in their communities. ACS regional meetings are hosted by local sections in various geographic regions across the United States.

"Through the ACS Student Members, we use our chemistry backgrounds to increase the understanding and enthusiasm that students have towards science in an effort to diversify the scientific community of the future". The organization provides members to grow as chemists and as members of society. The ACS focuses on community outreach, particularly focusing on young students to gain an interest in chemistry, as well as promote awareness on campus and in the community.

Various outreaches consist of- scientific education and promotion on Duquesne's campus among non-science majors with Mole Day, Pi Day, Autumn Fest. The promotion of STEM education in the Pittsburgh area through National Chemistry Week, SciTech, Carnegie Science Center. ACS student members develop and promote scientific achievement through participation in scientific research and research conferences such as PittCon, ACS National Conference, Undergraduate Research and professional development programming.

Reflections

"I am a member of the ACS student chapter at Duquesne. This is my fourth semester being a part of the organization, but this is the first semester where I actually took something away from it. As a chemistry major, the courses I take rarely require me to reflect on the material taught, but rather, they involve application and analysis. However, Science at the Service of Society encouraged me to go step further, and allowed me to look within myself and grow as lifelong learner. I wholeheartedly think without this class, it would have been another monotonous semester of community service. I had little to no commitment prior because I felt my studies were more important. I now realize community service is just as important because you grow both intellectually and virtuously. I now find myself at almost all the events hosted by the ACS and take pride in my organization with all of the service it does. My character has also developed throughout this experience. Through service-learning I have become more compassionate and mindful, my communication skills have greatly improved, and I realized I am not a leader which isn't necessarily a bad thing. I challenged myself to fully commit to the reflections and really think about what I gained from each project other than self-gratification for doing something good. I stepped outside of my comfort zone and engaged in more activities and was able to develop both professional relationships and unexpected friendships. Lastly, I now know my role is a servant rather than a leader and I am completely content with this. This class has introduced me to a whole new passion that I am excited to continue and cultivate. I plan on remaining a member of ACS as well as becoming a part of different organizations with the same goal, serving the society through science."

-Alexandra Plaviak, Chemistry 2014

"Science at the Service of Society has allowed me to interact with the community and actively aid the community in increasing the education and appreciation of science.With my work with the ACS, I have made a positive influence on the community, mainly related to the education of science. I have established a reputation of being a hard worker for the community partner and I have used my hard work for the help of others. At Scitech at the Carnegie Science Center, the ACS had a booth to educate high school students about ferrofluids and hydrogen rockets. My job was to educate the students about the interesting properties of ferrofluids and about the potential of hydrogen as a fuel source. I taught that ferrofluids are able to attract to a magnet and to form into interesting shapes when exposed to a magnetic field. I also taught that hydrogen could be a good alternative fuel source which could replace gasoline in the future for automobiles. To convince the students of the potential energy in hydrogen, a demonstration was set up where a pipet bulb was filled with hydrogen. The pipet bulb was ignited and it shot into the air. This proves the potential of hydrogen powering a rocket and also an engine of a car. I influenced students to have an appreciation of the cool properties of ferrofluids and of potential alternative energy sources. The community has been given an education and appreciation of science which could one day benefit them as a whole. With my work with the ACS, I have made a difference in the community and the people of the community, but I have also made a difference with myself in a positive way."

-Andrew Glaid, Chemistry 2015

"I have been a member of Duquesne's student chapter of the American Chemical Society since my freshman year, and have thoroughly enjoyed the community service I have participated in with them over the past few years. As a chemistry major, I have a strong passion for the promotion of STEM education in America, and that is why I have loved participating in service learning with ACS. Through participating, I have been able to take my knowledge of Chemistry out into the Pittsburgh community and hopefully inspire young children with a passion for math and science. This community service influenced me in a very positive way. Through participating in National Chemistry Week and SciTech, members of ACS went to the Carnegie Science Center and presented a demonstration on Hydrogen powered rockets to elementary and middle school-aged children. It was so wonderful to see how excited these kids were to see our demonstration and participate in the other events at the science center. I definitely never got to do anything like this when I was younger, and this probably contributed to why I never really enjoyed science or math when I was younger. I only became inspired to love science later on in high school when I had an amazing chemistry teacher. It was great to be able to bring my love of science and math to children in the Pittsburgh community just as my high school tech brought that love to me when I was a student. I plan on trying to become a teacher after graduation, and I hope I can take what I have learned through serving the Pittsburgh community to further serve another community in my future career. The children and parents I served were also impacted in a positive way, and I am so grateful I had the chance to be able to do this."